By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: How can a Chinese drivers lisence be converted into an international one?
My boyfriend's got a Chinese driver's lisence but we're thinking of going on holidays and renting a car abroad. How can he convert his regular Chinese lisence into one that allows him to drive, let's say, in the EU?
12 years 27 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - China
I don't think you can, I say this because you can't use an International licence in China. China are probably not a signatory to the organisation
I'm pretty sure that one of you would have to have an EU issued license. But I would double check with the consulate or embassy of the country/countries that you want to travel to.
I know of rich chinese businessmen who travel to germany only to rent porsches and mercedeses and drive them at +250 kmh on the autobahn, so it may be possible.
email the consulate of the country you want to visit and ask them if he can use it there.I dont see a problem
if you were comming to Australia it would not be a problem but I cant use my Australian licence in China ( I tech people to drive trucks here)
international license is a translation of your documents of your countries license as far as I know it is only China that does not exept other countries license
Let us know how you go 
In USA if you are a tourist you can drive a car with your own country driver's license for the duration of your turist visa. I have had friends from South America visit USA and were allowed to rent cars and drive. But strongly suggest you check on Internet first if USA will recognize Chinese Driver Licenses since written on Mandarin, besides the fact that China does not recognize USA driver's licenses just to make sure.
In regards to the International Driver's License, you should search on Internet for companies that issue them, and see the requirements. Again, since China does not recognizes International Driver Licenses from anyone, maybe they will not issue one to Chinese drivers.
Good luck to you
Europe do not accept Chinese DL as China does not accept International because an agreement has not been signed its easy in China to change but not sure in Europe conact the AA Automabile Association they will know and tell you the best way to get around this
Australia also does not accept them. You must pass an Australian test if you have a Chinese licence. I can understand the reasons for this as it is quite important to understand that their are actually road rules and it must be that you can understand them.
Chinese can't get an international driving license but they can drive in Europe with their Chinese driving license. However, you have to get the license translated, notarized and legalized and show this to the car hiring company. Different country's may have different rules but I know that this method is accepted in the UK and Germany. Some embassies have a section about rules related to Chinese driving abroad. It's worth looking into.
Scandinavian:
In Europe you need either the International Drivers license or you need to provide an EU passport + EU drivers license.
Maybe Belgium would be an exception as China accepts Belgium drivers licenses as the only foreign type
Moonlake:
I just recently looked into this as my Chinese partner is planning a trip to Germany. According to the German embassy he can drive as long as he gets his license legalized my the Foreign Ministry and German Embassy. I have another friend who's going to the UK soon and he was also told that he can drive as long as he has a notarized translation.
Scandinavian:
You probably need to check with specific rental companies then.
Also, I would strongly advise against driving in Germany. Even if he is one of the better Chinese drivers, there are so many of the Chinese driving habits that will get you killed in Germany and Europe generally.
Moonlake:
Yeah, after some consideration I decided that it would be better not to drive in Europe. It's just too dangerous, especially in Germany where there is no speed limit on many motorways. The public transport system is quite good in Europe so he may even save money by using that instead.
sorry but i truly hope it is not possible for chinese to drive internationally. the way people drive in this country is like giving licenses to blind armless drunk monkeys. this would pose an extreme danger to anyone else.
if there is a way i would personally do what i can to have it changed. we should not have to wait until a few deaths before others realize the dangers of allowing chinese to drive in their country without first learning how to drive in said country
This is most definitely NOT allowed in UK unless the laws have changed in the last 3 years. When my wife and I lived in UK she needed to take a UK driving test (only took her 7 attempts 
). Another nation's driving licenses UK don't accept is Egypt.
Scandinavian:
My wife is the only Chinese person who I trust to drive a vehicle safely. Her first drivers license is from back home, her second one was acquired by just taking the theory test here in China. Luckily she has some driving experience from back home. The mother in law has had her license for many many years but have never actually been behind the wheel of a car. She is considering buying a car. I am considering buying an oversized alarm bell.
I see many Chinese go for their Australian Drivers License and fail the test .
then They simply get back behind the wheel and Drive away and because they have a Drivers License (foreign) it is perfectly legal to do so .
if you reside in Australia no ;longer than 90 days (holiday does not count) you can still drive on it
For your reference go to www.qldtransport.gov.com.au and research it yourself
